Paul Bray: Picture the Capital Region as destination for the arts

PAUL BRAY

Published 7:23 pm, Sunday, August 13, 2017

Our region has been fortunate to have been able to see performances by many outstanding dance companies.

Fifty years ago, we had one of the world's best dance companies, the New York City Ballet, in residence in Saratoga for four weeks each summer. Regrettably, that is now down to just two weeks each summer. But we also have the Jacob's Pillow annual dance festival, with dance companies from around our nation and around the world.

But what has been missing are companies with roots in the region, including year-round or at least summer residencies for choreographers and dancers with strong associations in our communities. There was a bit of this when the New York City Ballet was in Saratoga for four weeks in the summer. We would see dancers swimming in the Gideon Putnam pool and at different places around town. Now the ballet company comes and goes like a drive-through appearance.

Other dance venues are making year-round commitments to our region. As stated in the New York Times, "Jacob's Pillow, the annual summer dance festival in Becket, Mass., is planning to extend its reach through a year-round reside.

Fortunately, during the NYC Ballet's short stay in Saratoga, SPAC co-sponsors an open demonstration by the ballet at the Skidmore College Dance Theatre.

Another year-round dance and performing arts center called the Lumberyard is taking shape about 20 miles south of Albany in Catskill. It has a four-building complex with studios and housing. It will include a state-of-the-art performing arts space, making it a cultural destination. It will continue what it has been doing in New York City, supporting artists, audiences and communities.

The Lumberyard is already talking with the leaders of Jacob's Pillow about ways these artistic facilities can collaborate.

With SPAC to the north, Jacob's Pillow to the east, Lumberyard to the south and Glimmerglass to the west of Albany, Schenectady and Troy, coupled with arts venues in these cities like Proctors, the Palace Theatre, Cap Rep and the Troy and Cohoes Music Halls among other artistic assets, we have a critical mass to become a major destination for the arts and an increasingly attractive place to live.

But let us open our eyes wide and connect the artistic dots, so all can see our growing four-season artistic assets from the Berkshires, to the city of Catskill, Cooperstown and Saratoga.